Salford Red Devils have had a tough time of things to say the least this season and the latest departure from the club has just been confirmed – with St Helens completing the deal.
It was confirmed this afternoon that Dean Cross has joined St Helens from Salford Red Devils in a deal penned until the end of the 2027 season.
Speculation surrounding a move to Saints for Cross has been mounting in recent weeks. Salford coach Paul Rowley previously claimed Cross had put in a ‘sick note’ amid the rumours.
“That deal is with Chris. It’s not direct with me so I’m not going into that,” Rowley said on Cross. “As far as I’m aware he’s not available and a sick note has gone in. He’s not here and that’s all I need to know.”
This situation came on the back of significant financial issues for Salford this season, which have also seen the likes of star halfback Marc Sneyd join Warrington Wolves.
Players at Salford have failed to be paid on time, the club asked for advanced payments and more negative rugby league news has come out of the club this season.
The latest is an odd transfer reveal which doesn’t reference Salford at all, and just states ‘no transfer fee’ has been paid for the services of Cross.
What St Helens have said about transfer from Salford Red Devils
“Our newest addition comes following the Club registering him as a player, and despite reports from other sources, the Saints have not paid a transfer fee or agreed to any player exiting the Club as part of any exchange,” a St Helens statement detailed.
“It means that Cross can come into contention for selection with immediate effect and will begin training with the Saints straight away too.”
Dean Cross explains move to St Helens
Dean Cross himself admitted he is delighted to have completed the deal.
“I’m very excited! I’m really looking forward to pulling on that Red V and it feels quite surreal. It feels like a massive, full-circle moment, it’s crazy! I live in the town, this is my hometown club, all my family we are big supporters, and they don’t have to be neutrals anymore!
“This is more than just a club for me, with all the history and the connections I have got between the club and my family. I can’t wait! I’ve been a fan growing up, a season ticket holder when I was a young lad, and now being coached by Paul Wellens, who I used to watch when he played at Knowsley Road. I think you have to pinch yourself sometimes.”
Paul Wellens on the options that Dean Cross gives St Helens
Coach Paul Wellens added: “Deon is a great addition to come into our squad and a player I’ve admired for some time. It’s a great story, similar to Matt Whitley, as he was a young lad in our system as a junior, and it didn’t quite work out for him. Now, he’s come full circle, and I know how much it means to him to represent this club.
“He is comfortable at centre or wing and gives us options, on both sides of the field. He is an athletic player, quick, very competitive, and a top-quality person who will fit in really well with the rest of our team.”
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